DIY PROJECT COMPLETE!!!

From "meh" to "ooh!" + external ventilation!!

fyi: probably not great for your lungs long term to burn methane, smoke oils, char steaks indoors without proper ventilation

I freakin' LOVED being able to (just barely) learn enough to do this! And it looks amazing. It took weeks and weeks of work (plus a heatstroke incident!) but it's so f'n satisfying! So proud of this!

It wasn't cheap, but I SAVED SO MUCH MONEY by doing most of it myself.

Total cost: $1,467

But of that:

* $250(?): roof contractor to cut the hole (was bundled w/other work so I don't know exactly how much the hole cost).

* $363: tools that I can now use for other projects (already planning a tile backsplash for my neighbor and my mom).

* $160: leftover consumable supplies to put towards the next job.

So really just $694 for the cost of the range hood ($309), backsplash tiles ($174), mortar, grout, sealer, piping, & misc supplies.

Firsts for this project:

* Removing an above-range microwave

* Removing installed cabinet

* Building a mount point by replacing drywall w/plywood drilled into the studs

* mixing & applying drywall mud

* using drywall tape

* sealing drywall

* removing the contractor's roof exhaust vent (wrong type! Urrg!)

* installing proper exhaust vent myself

* re-shingling and resealing(🤞) exhaust area

* using a v-trowel to apply tile mortar

* using a wet saw to cut glass and stone tiles

* rounding off glass/stone tile edge w/orbital sander

* attempting a tile inset (way too ambitious for my first tiling project!!)

* grouting tile

* applying grout sealer / stone enhancer

* dremel-cutting aluminum vent sections to length

Existing skills/tools leveraged:

* Photoshop to visualize / plan!

* table saw / mitre saw to cut the plywood anchor panel, the wood trim piece at the top, and the chimney sheath upper mount point.

* portable air compressor + nail gun for temp

* wood finishing (shellac, polyurethane) to the wood trim piece; tiny detail, but looks amazing (see below)!

* previous experience w/aluminum vent pipes

* basic outlet wiring (replaced gfci, raised mount point to tile surface)

* caulking (btw, caulk condoms work great!)

Downside of DIY: